Flight Attendant in the Air Force (1A6x1)

Air Force Flight Attendant is not an entry-level job. Flight attendants are responsible for the following: Performs aircrew duties on numerous airborne platforms. Provides for the safety of passengers. Plans, coordinates, and manages cabin duties. Performs aircrew functions. Manages flight attendant activities and related duties.

Job Duties

• Provides for passenger safety during aircraft operations. Demonstrates and maintains proficiency in emergency equipment use, emergency procedures, and egress. Briefs passengers. Responsible for the orderly and expeditious evacuation of passengers and crew. Provides emergency first aid as needed/required.
• Performs pre-flight, thru-flight, and post-flight inspections of an aircraft emergency and cabin and galley equipment. Operates aircraft systems and equipment; such as electrical, interphone, doors, and exits. Responsible for cleanliness of aircraft interior.
• Provides for passenger comfort during aircraft operations. Plans all menus and coordinates meal requirements. Purchases and prepares required food and supplies to serve meals and beverages. Stores and preserves food items. Provides cabin service and monitors passengers in flight.
• Supervises and performs loading and off-loading of passengers and baggage on aircraft. Prepares and validates passenger manifests. Performs passenger and baggage inspections. Supervises loading and unloading of baggage. Applies restraint devices such as straps and nets to prevent shifting during flight. Ensures access to escape exits.

Initial Skills Training (Tech School)

AF Technical School graduation results in the award of a 3-skill level (apprentice). Airmen in this AFSC attend the following course(s):

• Enlisted Aircrew Undergraduate Course, Lackland AFB, TX, 14 academic days
• Flight Attendant Basic Course, Lackland AFB, TX, 25 academic days
• Combat Survival Training Course, Fairchild AFB, WA, 17 academic days
• Water Survival, Fairchild AFB, WA, 2 academic days

Subjects Taught in Technical School

The subjects taught include normal and emergency aircraft procedures, emergency equipment location and use, first aid, galley equipment, food handling, dispensing food and beverages aboard aircraft, customer service and relations, communications, technical publications, and flying directives, and border agency clearance.

Certification Training

Upon arrival at the first duty station, airmen are enrolled in upgrade training to the 5-skill level (journeyman). This training is a combination of on-the-job task certification, and enrollment in a correspondence course called a Career Development Course (CDC). Once the airman's trainer(s) have certified that they are qualified to perform all tasks related to that assignment, and once they complete the CDC, including the final closed-book written test, they are upgraded to the 5-skill level, and are considered to be "certified" to perform their job with minimal supervision. For this AFSC, 5-level training averages 15 months.

Advanced Training

Upon achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant, airmen are entered into 7-level (craftsman) training. A craftsman can expect to fill various supervisory and management positions such as shift leader, element NCOIC (Noncommissioned Officer in Charge), flight superintendent, and various staff positions. For the award of the 9-skill level, individuals must hold the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. A 9-level can expect to fill positions such as flight chief, superintendent, and various staff NCOIC jobs.

Assignment Locations

Assignment locations include:

• Andrews AFB, MD
• Chievres AB, Belgium
• Edwards AFB, CA
• Hickam AFB, HI
• MacDill AFB, FL
• Offutt AFB, NE
• Ramstein AB, Germany
• Scott AFB, IL
• Lackland AFB, TX

Average Promotion Times (Time in Service)

• Airman First Class (E-2): 6 months
• Senior Airman (E-4): 16 months
• Staff Sergeant (E-5): 5 years
• Technical Sergeant (E-6): 12.8 years
• Master Sergeant (E-7): 18.1years
• Senior Master Sergeant (E-8): 24.2 years
• Chief Master Sergeant (E-9): 23.7 years
• Required ASVAB Composite Score: A-28
• Security Clearance Requirement: Top Secret
• Strength Requirement: G

Other Requirements

• Must pass a Flight Class III Medical Examination
• The ability to speak clearly and distinctly
• Qualification to operate government vehicles (must have a driver's license)
• Must be US citizen
• Minimum age of 21
• Prior qualification in any AFSC at the 5-skill level